Bruce and Vicki Small

Gift certificate

I'm going through the boxes of "stuff" in the north rooms. Lots of now meaningless cards for all occasions (tossed), lots of poignant notes (kept), and inside one birthday card, this gift certificate. I've no idea why we left it in the card and then forgot about it. Think it is still good after 23 years (no). And at the time we liked Macayo. Rats.

Silver wedding anniversary

We celebrated out 25th wedding anniversary yesterday by renewing our vows with good friend and pastor Jeff Parziale, then going out to dinner with family and friends at the Westin La Paloma. It was one of those perfect dining experiences, just flawless. Wonderful service, attentive but not hovering, and the food was perfection. Everyone raved over the evening out. 

I'm looking old, but Vicki stays young. Did you know that when I first met her I thought she was too young for me, then I was pleased to discover we are only five years apart.

We have been blessed with a great life together, and we agree eventually we will be the nicest couple in the old folks home. Much to be said for that.

Knick knack display stand

We're renovating the mother-in-law suite attached to our house. Since my mother died years ago we've used it for storage of anything we didn't want to deal with, so it resembles Miss Haversham's house, with cobwebs. We've stripped it, painted it, vertical blinds will be in tomorrow, and new carpet and tile next week.

We decided to junk most of the stuff, including the old knick knack stand. I've never been able to open the base, so just took it all apart. Imagine my suprise when I found an unopened bottle of brandy. The excise stamp is from Florida, meaning the bottle has been sitting there for at least 33 years.

23rd wedding anniversary

We wonder where the years went, but we are so grateful for each other because we are completely dependable best friends, and we still feel all squishy about each other. We have been blessed with a wonderful marriage.

We went to Olive Garden, with old friend Doug as our server, had a very nice meal, and lingered over coffee/tea and dessert. Oh was it good.

 

Recovering very well.

It has been five weeks since Vicki's back surgery, and she has made remarkable progress, to the point we went out to dinner for the first time in months. Olive Garden, always a favorite, and the meal and service were perfect.

We've been taking short walks in the evening, and she can handle that if she remembers not to bend over to cuddle the friendly dogs we meet on the way. Full recovery will take one year.

Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas together, starting with a candlelight service at church last night. It was very nice, and it was moving. Thank you, Pantano Christian Church.

I've felt bad because I enjoyed reading The House of the Seven Gables earlier this year and Vicki just couldn't get into it, so I bought her the Classics Illustrated comics version from the early 1950s. It's practically almost the same. The Adventures of Marco Polo is one I had read when I was eleven, so I got that for Vicki to give to me, unawares of course. Thank you, Santa.

It was a stealth operation: My son Joe ordered them for me, and we used code words like "I took my bike in for repairs," and "The tires are fixed; it was only $25." That was fun. Thank you, Joe.

Exterior lights

My son Joe came over and replaced our front exterior lights with new lanterns and motion sensors. How neat, and much better for security. Joe is a skilled handyman, in addition to his business talents.

We had to go to Ace Hardware for two longer bolts, so took Bailey with us. She loves the drive, and especially loves going to Ace because they always give her a cookie at checkout. There were several other dogs in the store, all well behaved.

 

I reached 70

Good Heavens. How could I get to 70 so fast. Instead of the usual epic hike for my birthday, I completed a fairly large survey on an RV sales lot, and it felt good to know that I still have it.

This is Calvin and Harley, the two cuddly dogs who accompany the night security man. Calvin is 11-years-old and has trouble walking, while Harley is 3. Both covered me with kisses. Now that's a real birthday present, from our four-legged friends.

Silverado

We moved Vicki's mom into Silverado, an Alzheimer's facility in Azusa. Mom is 93, and it was time. It is a wonderful home for her, with 24-hour caregivers, nice garden, lovely dining room, and we have no doubt we made the right decision. The residents are very friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, mom doesn't particularly like the place, and we are hoping she will adapt.

It is the most dog-friendly place I've ever seen - look carefully and you can see some of the dogs under the tables.

 

This is Reginald, who is 15. He came to Silverado two years ago with his owner, and when she died last year the staff kept Reggie and takes care of him. The poor old soul sleeps most of the time and isn't long for this world. What a cuddle he is.

Vicki is 65

My beautiful beloved wife and best friend, my soul mate and snoogy bears, turned 65 today. To use the vernacular, that's like really old, and we certainly do feel those aches and pains.

We dined at Olive Garden and treated ourselves to a sinful dessert. So there.